Black eyed pea fritters get their roots from Brazilian and west African cuisine, but have become popular in Southern US cooking as well! Traditionally deep fried, my recipe air fries them instead for a crispy fritter with less oil. This app is perfect for New Year’s, since black eyed peas are said to bring good luck!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Black eyed pea fritters are one of those recipes that’s both comforting and delicious!Traditionally tied to good luck and prosperity, especially around New Year’s, they’re a fun, modern way to honor a classic Southern and West African ingredient without making a heavy, time-intensive dish.
Because they’re air fried, you get all the crisp edges and satisfying bite of a fritter with far less oil, making them perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal with a dipping sauce or salad. Texturally, they’re a bit like falafel!
They also carry a rich culinary history, drawing inspiration from West African fritters like akara and Southern black-eyed pea dishes, which gives them a little cultural depth alongside their crowd-pleasing flavor!
Katie’s tip
Prefer a snack version? Try my crispy Air Fryer Black Eyed Peas instead, which make a perfect crunchy snack by the handful.
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Ingredients Needed
- 2 15-ounce cans black eyed peas (drain and rinse)
- ½ cup minced white onion
- 1 large jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs (I use garlic & herb)
- 1 large egg
- 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Remoulade for topping
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Canned black eyed peas make this the easiest, but you can also use about 2 cups of cooked and cooled if you want to prepare your own
- Jalapeño can be swapped for half of a bell pepper, or other chile peppers of choice, depending on your heat preferences
- Instead of Cajun seasoning, you can use any seasoning options you want (and if your Cajun doesn’t have salt, make sure to add at least ½ tsp or to taste). Other good seasoning options include: thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, chili powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, cumin, or similar spices
- The parsley can also be swapped for some green onions, or ¼ – ½ cup of cooked chopped spinach, kale, or collard greens!
- You can swap remoulade for onion jam, tomato-based sauces, chipotle aioli, hot honey, or anything similar
Step By Step Instructions
- Add the black eyed peas, onion, pepper, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings to a food processor. Pulse until a chunky paste-like mixture forms. If you don’t have a food processor, you can also use a blender, or just mash the peas with a fork in a large bowl, and stir in the rest of the ingredients
- Divide into 12 portions (split the batter into quarters, then make 3 from each quarter). Flatten into patties approximately ½ thick using the palms of your hands
- Place the fritters into your air fryer’s basket in a single layer with air space between each one (I recommend some parchment underneath to prevent sticking). Cook in batches as needed to prevent overcrowding. Spray the tops with a mist of oil spray (olive or avocado are good choices)
- Cook on the air fry setting at 375°F for 10 minutes, pausing halfway through to flip and reapply oil, until the fritters are browned to your liking
- Serve warm, topped with remoulade or other toppings as desired. Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Dipping Sauces
- Spicy Remoulade – The creamy heat cuts through the fritters’ crisp exterior and highlights their Southern roots
- Garlic Aioli – Smooth, rich, and savory, this balances the fritters without overpowering their earthy flavor
- Honey Mustard – A sweet-tangy contrast that plays especially well with lightly spiced fritters
- Chimichurri – Bright herbs and acidity lift the fritters and keep the plate feeling fresh!
Side Dishes
- Collard Greens or Sautéed Greens – A classic pairing that reinforces the Southern good-luck theme while adding bitterness to balance the fritters!
- Simple Slaw (Vinegar-Based) – Crunch and acidity keep things light and prevent the meal from feeling heavy
- Cornbread or Corn Cakes – Soft, slightly sweet sides that echo traditional Southern flavors. Try some Air Fryer Pillsbury Cornbread Swirls for a quick option!
- Rice or Dirty Rice – Turns the fritters into a more filling, complete meal
Entrees
- Grilled or Blackened Shrimp – The briny, smoky notes pair beautifully with the fritters’ mild earthiness
- Smoked Sausage or Andouille – Adds spice and richness, especially good for a New Year’s spread. My Air Fryer Smoked Sausage is the perfect choice!
- Fried or Air-Fried Chicken – Keeps the comfort-food vibe consistent without competing flavors
Drinks
- Sparkling Wine or Prosecco – The bubbles cut through the fritters’ crisp exterior and refresh the palate
- Citrus-Forward Cocktails (Lemon, Grapefruit, or Cranberry) – Bright acidity balances the savory notes. Check out all my Cranberry Vodka Cocktails for some great options!
- Iced Sweet Tea or Unsweet Tea – A classic, easy pairing that won’t overpower the dish, or a Sweet Tea Vodka Lemonade for a boozy option!
- Light Beer or Wheat Beer – Mild carbonation and subtle malt complement the fritters nicely
New Year’s Add-Ons
- Greens + Cornbread + Fritters Trio – A symbolic and flavorful plate tied to prosperity traditions!
- Pickled Okra or Pickled Vegetables – Adds crunch, acidity, and a Southern pantry feel
- Hot Pepper Sauce Bar – Lets guests customize heat levels while keeping the base recipe approachable!
Recipe FAQs
What’s The Tradition For Black-Eyed Peas?
Black-eyed peas are traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day in the Southern U.S. as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. They’re often paired with greens (for wealth) and cornbread (for gold).
Do I Need To Soak My Black-Eyed Peas Before I Cook Them?
If you’re using dried black-eyed peas, soaking is helpful but not strictly required, especially for fritters, since they’re typically fully cooked first. Canned or pre-cooked black-eyed peas do not need soaking at all.
Can I Pan Fry Them Instead?
Yes, you can pan-fry black-eyed pea fritters if you don’t want to use an air fryer. Just use enough oil to promote browning and cook until golden and heated through on both sides.
Tips For the Best Black Eyed Pea Fritters
- You can press extra breadcrumbs on the outside of your fritters if you want extra crunch and a deeper golden brown finish (but this is optional)
- Make sure to cut your veggies small so that they blend in well. It’s not a huge deal if you’re using a food processor, but if you hand mash, you don’t want large chunks
- I like to leave some pieces in my mixture for texture, but you can blend it to an entirely smooth paste as well if you prefer
Storage and Reheating
Storage Tips
- Let the fritters cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days
- For longer storage, freeze fritters in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months
Reheating Tips
- Air Fryer (Best Option): Reheat at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to restore crisp edges
- Oven: Bake at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes, flipping once if needed
- Skillet: Reheat over medium heat with a light oil spray to re-crisp the exterior
- Avoid the microwave if possible; it will warm them through but soften the crust
Serving Leftovers
- Reheated fritters are great tucked into wraps, served over greens, or topped with a fried egg for a quick meal!
- A fresh dipping sauce or squeeze of lemon juice helps revive flavors after storage
- Champagne Cupcakes
- Chocolate Covered Champagne Strawberries
Final Thoughts
These black eyed pea fritters are the perfect way to ring in the New Year with their good luck vibes! Not only that, the air fryer delivers a crispy outside with a tender inside to the fritter for a delicious app, side, or snack option.
Customize them with different spices, sauces, and seasonings to make them your own, and pair them with other festive options for your New Year’s traditions.
They’re easy to make, and delicious topped with a spicy remoulade and a zing of fresh herbs or green onions. These black eyed pea patties also reheat well, and work with a variety of main dishes and even with eggs for breakfast the next day!
Air Fryer Black Eyed Pea Fritters
Equipment
- Food processor (or mixing bowl)
- Parchment paper (optional but recommended)
Ingredients
- 2 15-ounce cans black eyed peas (drained and rinsed)
- ½ cup minced white or yellow onion
- 1 large jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced (or ½ a bell pepper)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs (like Italian or garlic & herb)
- 1 large egg
- 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning (or similar)
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Oil mist spray (like olive oil or avocado oil)
- Remoulade (or another sauce of choice) for topping
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except remoulade to a food processor. Pulse until a chunky paste-like mixture forms. If you don’t have a food processor, mash the peas with a fork in a bowl, and stir in the rest of the ingredients2 15-ounce cans black eyed peas, ½ cup minced white or yellow onion, 1 large jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced, 1 tsp minced garlic, ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Divide into 12 portions (split the batter into quarters, then make 3 from each quarter). Flatten into patties approximately ½ thick
- Place the fritters into your air fryer’s basket in a single layer with air space between each one (I recommend some parchment underneath to prevent sticking). Spray the tops with a mist of oil sprayOil mist spray
- Cook on the air fry setting at 375°F for 10 minutes, pausing halfway through to flip and reapply oil, until the fritters are browned to your liking
- Serve warm, topped with remoulade or other toppings as desired. Enjoy!Remoulade (or another sauce of choice) for topping
Notes
- Canned black eyed peas are most convenient, but you can also use about 2 cups of cooked and cooled if you want to prepare your own
- Instead of Cajun seasoning, you can use any similar seasoning options you want (and if your Cajun doesn’t have salt, make sure to add at least ½ tsp or to taste)
- The parsley can also be swapped for some green onions, or ¼ – ½ cup of cooked chopped spinach, kale, or collard greens!
- You can swap remoulade for onion jam, chipotle or garlic aioli, hot honey, or similar
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
